Data Analysis

From measurements in the ocean different physical parameters can be deduced, such as Ekman transport or diffusion rates. There exists different multivariate procedures to deduce and compare these observational data and qualify them. This supports the development of different assimilation schemes to improve the circulation models.

We investigate data from various instruments, remote and in-situ.

Remote Sensing Data

Data of different remote sensing instruments are investigated.

AVHRR "Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer" is a multispectral, satellite based remote sensing sensor of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is used to determine e.g. the water temperature at the surface of the ocean.

SARSynthetic Aperture Radar is a radar that creates images of an object, e.g. the ocean surface. The sensor ist used for remote sensing from aircraft or satellite. Information about surface waves can be deduced from such images.

Altimeter The altimeter measures the altitude of a satellite to the sea surface with a radar beam. Also information about wind and waves can be deduced from the data.

HFR High frequency radar to measure currents on the sea surface. In the COSYNA system three measurement stations are implemented in the German Bight. The data are assimilated into the current model.

Ocean color was measured by MERIS (Medium Resolution Imaging Specrometer) from Envisat Satellite, now out of order. It provides information on chlorophyll and suspended matter at the sea surface.

In other departments of the Institute of Coastal Research research is focused on optical measurement methods, development of remote sensing techniques and radio hydrography.

Additionally to remote sensing different measurement devices are deployed in the German Bight within the COSYNA system. The data are used for validation and improvement of the numerical models.

ADCPAcoustic Doppler Current Profiler for measurement of currents in the water body.

Glider This instrument carries various sensors according to the needs. It is an autonomous vehicle using buoyancy-based propulsion. Gliders follow an up-and-down, sawtooth-like profile through the water, providing data on temporal and spatial scales, e.g. salinity, temperature, turbidity, chlorophyll and other parameters.

Scanfish also carries various sensors and is towed to the ship. During the up-and-down glide it measures the vertical profile. Typical parameters are temperature, salinity, turbidity and oxygen.

Waverider buouys measure the wave movement on the sea surface. From these data wave height and direction and, amongst others, the mean period are calculated.